Texas Rangers defeat New York Yankees, 7-2

ARLINGTON - The Yankees avoided a best-of-five matchup with Cliff Lee and the Rangers in the first round.

Now, with a trip to the World Series at stake, that's exactly what they've got.

The Yankees tried Saturday to replicate Friday's memorable Game 1 victory, falling behind by five runs again, but the Rangers held on to their big lead this time, cruising to a 7-2 win in Game 2 to tie the AL Championship Series at one game apiece.

ARLINGTON - This is what separates the Yankees from almost everybody else. They own the late innings, when it counts most, because they get into a bullpen like that of the Rangers and impose their will on nervous relievers who mostly don't have a prayer against the best lineup in baseball.

Not only did they lead the majors with 48 comeback victories this season, but remarkably they have now rallied in 10 of their 15 postseason victories these last two seasons.